While not being directly involved with the COTF meetings due to work constraints, I have watched several taped meetings and discussed issues with other members of the public regarding issues they are experiencing (and I have experienced) from these cannabis projects. We feel our issues have not been heard or addressed with the task force and expected to have our input considered in the final meetings as we were told, which did not happen. It became clear that the COTF did not want to hear our concerns, became hostile to our attempts to join the conversation, and then adjourned the last several meetings to run out their time. Please hear our concerns and disband the COTF. Thank you.
Public Input was discouraged, they went too fast when discussing many items, such as how hard monitoring Is and examining yearly reports. If I remember correctly the COTF was going to address the community concerns, but hasn't yet.
A few of my concerns are
1. Violations- Fish and wildlife could not get entry into Sourz property for violations.
2. Grading and trees being removed prior to having any studies or permits..
3. Road safety- In areas such as High Valley Road and Spring Valley Road with one way in and out.
4. Crime and violence.
6. Complaints- How long a response takes when filing a complaint.
7. Odor control, hoop houses and generators.
8. Cannabis tax.
9. Cumulative impacts, zoning and setbacks.
I do not believe that the Community Development Staff has received sufficient input from the community to draft the ordinance. I am in support of ending the Cannabis Ordinance Task Force.
I am in support of ending the Cannabis Ordinance Task Force as this has gone on for much longer than expected, has not fully addressed all issues and did not have representation from community residents. The was a huge task but the work is not done. Lake County utilizes outside consultants for other large tasks and this may be the time to do so. Other counties have suffered from cannabis ordinances written without enough public representation and input. This is not just writing a simplified ordinance but a plan to protect valuable natural resources including human resources. What is the cost benefit not only the time spent on applications but the staff needed after to inspect that management plans are followed, that cannabis employees have background checks, and that minors are not working with a controlled substance to just name a few. Sadly Lake County has not realized the revenue expected. I only wish that time and money would be spent on developing other businesses in the County. Please look at the big picture and get a policy and ordinance that is right for the entire county for a stable financial future.
I began attending COTF meetings in 2022 and gave a presentation on the importance of oak trees July 2024. I had been told concerns about commercial cannabis cultivation would be addressed at the end of the COTF term and was thankful to make the presentation. But accepting comments has not happened. Some of COTF recommendations are contradictory or are unclear on important details. Hearing the public’s concerns should be allowed before coming to the Supervisors.
While not being directly involved with the COTF meetings due to work constraints, I have watched several taped meetings and discussed issues with other members of the public regarding issues they are experiencing (and I have experienced) from these cannabis projects. We feel our issues have not been heard or addressed with the task force and expected to have our input considered in the final meetings as we were told, which did not happen. It became clear that the COTF did not want to hear our concerns, became hostile to our attempts to join the conversation, and then adjourned the last several meetings to run out their time. Please hear our concerns and disband the COTF. Thank you.
Public Input was discouraged, they went too fast when discussing many items, such as how hard monitoring Is and examining yearly reports. If I remember correctly the COTF was going to address the community concerns, but hasn't yet.
A few of my concerns are
1. Violations- Fish and wildlife could not get entry into Sourz property for violations.
2. Grading and trees being removed prior to having any studies or permits..
3. Road safety- In areas such as High Valley Road and Spring Valley Road with one way in and out.
4. Crime and violence.
6. Complaints- How long a response takes when filing a complaint.
7. Odor control, hoop houses and generators.
8. Cannabis tax.
9. Cumulative impacts, zoning and setbacks.
I do not believe that the Community Development Staff has received sufficient input from the community to draft the ordinance. I am in support of ending the Cannabis Ordinance Task Force.
I am in support of ending the Cannabis Ordinance Task Force as this has gone on for much longer than expected, has not fully addressed all issues and did not have representation from community residents. The was a huge task but the work is not done. Lake County utilizes outside consultants for other large tasks and this may be the time to do so. Other counties have suffered from cannabis ordinances written without enough public representation and input. This is not just writing a simplified ordinance but a plan to protect valuable natural resources including human resources. What is the cost benefit not only the time spent on applications but the staff needed after to inspect that management plans are followed, that cannabis employees have background checks, and that minors are not working with a controlled substance to just name a few. Sadly Lake County has not realized the revenue expected. I only wish that time and money would be spent on developing other businesses in the County. Please look at the big picture and get a policy and ordinance that is right for the entire county for a stable financial future.
Support for the Dissolution of the Cannabis Ordinance Task Force (COTF).
Please see attached.
I began attending COTF meetings in 2022 and gave a presentation on the importance of oak trees July 2024. I had been told concerns about commercial cannabis cultivation would be addressed at the end of the COTF term and was thankful to make the presentation. But accepting comments has not happened. Some of COTF recommendations are contradictory or are unclear on important details. Hearing the public’s concerns should be allowed before coming to the Supervisors.